Harper Government announces funding for community-based cancer projects

Program aimed at prevention and early detection of cancer

OTTAWA, Nov. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, at the Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada Office, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, announced support for nine community-based projects that will address cancer screening and early diagnosis. Dr. Colin Carrie , Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Health, also participated in the announcement.

"Cancer is a disease that touches many of us, either because we have been diagnosed with it or we know someone who has.  Our Government is working with provincial and territorial governments, as well as cancer organizations, on cancer prevention, early detection and surveillance," said Minister Aglukkaq. "It is important that all Canadians understand how cancer screening and early diagnosis can help save lives."

Funded through the Public Health Agency of Canada's Cancer Program, the projects announced today address removing barriers, raising awareness and promoting participation in cancer screening and early detection.  The projects will focus on populations such as First Nations, Inuit, Métis and immigrant populations.

"The Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada is committed to health promotion initiatives among Inuit women at the community level, especially in the area of cancer screening," says Rebecca Kudloo , President of the Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. "The support we are receiving from the Cancer Program will help us meet this commitment."

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada.  Finding cancer early, even when there are no symptoms, is important. Early diagnosis of cancer, when it is less likely to have spread, results in more effective and simpler treatment, thereby increasing the chances of surviving the disease. One-third of all cases of cancer may be prevented by improving diets, increasing physical activity and maintaining healthy weights.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is committed to promoting and protecting the health of Canadians. For more information on cancer, please visit http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/cancer/index-eng.php. A fact sheet with more information on the nine projects is attached.

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SOURCE PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA

Image with caption: "L to R: Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Colin Carrie accompanied Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq as they announced Canada-wide funding for Cancer programs in the offices of the Paukuutit Inuit Women of Canada office, represented here by Executive Director Tracy O'Hearn . (CNW Group/PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121126_C3448_PHOTO_EN_21194.jpg